March 26th 2024.
Martinez is finally back in training after recovering from his latest injury setback. The former Manchester United player, Alan Smith, is optimistic that the return of Lisandro Martinez will give Erik ten Hag's team the boost they need to compete for a spot in the Champions League next season. Martinez had a phenomenal first year in Manchester after joining from Ajax in 2022, but his playing time has been limited this season, with only 10 starts so far.
The center-half suffered a foot injury in September and had to undergo surgery for the second time in six months. He returned to the field in January, but unfortunately, just four games later, he was sidelined again due to a knee injury in a match against West Ham United in February. Martinez is now focused on making his comeback in the upcoming game against Brentford on Saturday. United will need to hit the ground running after the international break if they want to close the gap on the top five teams.
Currently, Aston Villa and Tottenham are ahead of United in fourth and fifth place, respectively, with a lead of nine and six points. However, Smith believes that Martinez's return could have a transformative effect on the team and give them a fighting chance to qualify for the Champions League next season. When asked if Martinez's return could lift the team back into the top four, Smith said, "Definitely. He's a crucial part of the team, and his left-sided position has been sorely missed this year."
Smith, who played for United for three years, also mentioned the team's struggle with injuries on the left side, with players like Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Martinez all being sidelined. He believes that having a left-footed player like Martinez in the team is essential for maintaining balance and making it harder for other teams to defend against United.
Another player who has recently returned from an injury for United is Mason Mount. The former Chelsea midfielder has only made 13 appearances this season due to injuries, but he still has the support of his manager, ten Hag, who insists that he will play a significant role in the team. Smith, who himself experienced a long-term injury during his playing career, sympathizes with Mount and acknowledges the pressure he must feel to prove himself after being sidelined.
"It's been a difficult start for him, not just because of his injuries, but also because there was a lot of pressure on the new signings at the time," Smith said. "But he has kept his head down and worked hard to try and make an impact. It's never easy to come back from an injury, especially when you're trying to prove yourself to a new team."
Smith also added that proving oneself after an injury setback is the hardest thing for a player, and it takes a lot of determination and hard work to overcome it. He believes that Mount will have to earn his place back in the team and will not expect to walk straight back into the starting lineup. Despite the challenges, Smith is confident that Mount has the talent and determination to succeed at United.
In other news, there have been some concerns raised by other clubs about the integrity of the title race due to the fixture changes for Arsenal and Liverpool. Micah Richards was blown away by a potential Manchester United target, and Arsenal has reportedly begun talks to sign a new defender. However, it seems like Diogo Dalot has his eyes set on another star who he believes will become the best goalkeeper in the world. Stay updated with all the latest news, exclusives, and analysis on Manchester United by signing up for our newsletter. Your privacy is important to us, and we are protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
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